# Dropping a Dime, on your neighbor? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 19, 2010, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684 "2010-08-19T00:25:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![NadaHappyCamper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/278dde/32.png) [@NadaHappyCamper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NadaHappyCamper)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/41 "2010-08-19T12:59:33Z")
For all the posters who think that I am doing the wrong thing for calling 911 when I witness reckless or irresponsible driving, a question: Suppose you looked out your front window in your neighbood and saw a deranged person walking down the sidewalk waving a pistol, What would you do? For the posters who think I am impedeing traffic by travrling at 60 mph: 60 mph, is the leagel speed limit in the urban areas, on the freeway that is. Also I mentioned that if I witness a commercial vehical being driven irresponsibly I try to contact the company directley to report rather than bother with 911. My personal feeling is ,if I witness erratic unsafe driving and I report the driver to 911,maybe they will get pulled overand checked out, who knows they may be intoxicated,ill, tired, or just plain crazy as a crap house rat, I leave that for the police officer to determine, that is their job. ---
**Author:** ![NadaHappyCamper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/278dde/32.png) [@NadaHappyCamper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NadaHappyCamper)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/42 "2010-08-19T13:04:50Z")
Iapologise for the double post, I want to add; The 911 system was developed for just the reason that I have put it to use for, citizen input, citizen like you and I helping the police and state troopers to do thei jobs, when you drive down the freeway and see debris on the road, that could possibly cause a traffic accident or a reckless or irresponsible driver it is your civic duty to report them to the authorities. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/43 "2010-08-19T13:05:46Z")
> [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > For all the posters who think that I am doing the wrong thing for calling 911 when I witness reckless or irresponsible driving, a question: Suppose you looked out your front window in your neighbood and saw a deranged person walking down the sidewalk waving a pistol, What would you do?. Yes, I’d call. I might not get through because of people like you, though. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/44 "2010-08-19T13:29:02Z")
> [@Looey](#): > > The few times I’ve called 911, I’ve received a jury duty summons within a month or two. I don’t do it now unless I’m ready to spend a day in the courthouse. One time I had Franken Berry for breakfast and it rained all day that day. I switched to Lucky Charms because I didn’t want to be responsible for another Great Flood. ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/45 "2010-08-19T14:16:17Z")
> [@](#): > > My personal feeling is ,if I witness erratic unsafe driving and I report the driver to 911,maybe they will get pulled overand checked out, who knows they may be intoxicated,ill, tired, or just plain crazy as a crap house rat, I leave that for the police officer to determine, that is their job. Following in your example, I have called the grammar police, for your, illegal, use, of commas. Seriously. Get a hobby. ---
**Author:** ![Trom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/46 "2010-08-19T14:20:13Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > > [@jjimm](#): > > > > It should therefore be illegal to talk to blind passengers. > > Makes as much sense as it being illegal to talk on a hands-free phone. Statistically, hands-free phones are just as dangerous as hand-held phones. The issue is with one’s mind being distracted, not being physically unable to operate the vehicle. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/47 "2010-08-19T14:35:55Z")
> [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > I would also like to see responses from other Board Members about their thoughts on this. You axed for it. Either the OP is a joke, or you are. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/48 "2010-08-19T14:38:00Z")
> [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > Suppose you looked out your front window in your neighbood and saw a deranged person walking down the sidewalk waving a pistol, What would you do? Yes, if I saw this I would call. I would also call if I saw a deranged driver waiving a gun. If however I saw someone walking down the sidewalk talking on a cell phone I would not call. Nor would I call if they suddenly changed from the sidewalk to the street or were walking closely behind someone. Seriously… this is your logic? ---
**Author:** ![panman\_1960](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@panman\_1960](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panman_1960)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/49 "2010-08-19T14:56:42Z")
Usually, I’m on my motorcycle when someone does this to me, which when intentional, can be quite deadly. AND it really pisses me off! I usually wait for other drivers to call 911 while I’m going all road rage on the offending driver at the next light. Fortunatley, the cops don’t bother and I haven’t been shot yet. later, Tom. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/50 "2010-08-19T14:57:28Z")
> [@Trom](#): > > > [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > > > Makes as much sense as it being illegal to talk on a hands-free phone. > > Statistically, hands-free phones are just as dangerous as hand-held phones. The issue is with one’s mind being distracted, not being physically unable to operate the vehicle. Read my other posts; I’m aware of that. Does talking on a hands-free phone distract you more than talking to a blind passenger? ---
**Author:** ![NadaHappyCamper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/278dde/32.png) [@NadaHappyCamper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NadaHappyCamper)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/51 "2010-08-19T15:02:44Z")
For Spud; My logic is that if I saw a 2000 lb. Bull running down a sidewalk, or a rabid dog running loose through the neighborhood, yes that is deffinately worth a call to 911 not so much a pedestrian walking and using a cellular phone, though that can be unsafe also think about a person so engrossed in their conversation they may walk out in traffic without looking, I’ve seen that happen What I’ve garnered from the previous posts is that many of you think I abuse the 911 system I say that is exactley what the 911 system is for, prevention of a bad situation from becoming a serious situation, and if 911 operators think I am a crackpot there isn’t too much I can do about that if they don’t pass my call on to the proper authority the outcome of the transgression is out of my hands,I’ve done everything I could do as a good citizen to protect my fellow citizens. ---
**Author:** ![Trom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/52 "2010-08-19T15:03:57Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > > [@Trom](#): > > > > Statistically, hands-free phones are just as dangerous as hand-held phones. The issue is with one’s mind being distracted, not being physically unable to operate the vehicle. > > Read my other posts; I’m aware of that. Does talking on a hands-free phone distract you more than talking to a blind passenger? Based on what I remember from a college psych class - yes. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/53 "2010-08-19T15:09:11Z")
> [@Trom](#): > > > [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > > > Read my other posts; I’m aware of that. Does talking on a hands-free phone distract you more than talking to a blind passenger? > > Based on what I remember from a college psych class - yes. Why? ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/54 "2010-08-19T15:11:32Z")
You do realize don’t you that misuse and abuse of the nation’s 911 service is a huge problem that potentially endangers the lives of those in need of true emergency assistance? You seem incapable of being able to properly triage less than perfect situations. If a driver is behaving in a manner in which bodily harm to others or himself is imminent or if a wreck has already occured, call 911. If someone changes lanes too quickly for your liking, back the fuck off and stay off your goddamn phone. If you see some contractor or employee driving in a wreckless manner and you’re not putting others in danger by getting close enough to get the number off the vehicle then call if you want AFTER pulling off the road where you’re not a distracted menace to other, less easily annoyed drivers. ---
**Author:** ![NadaHappyCamper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/278dde/32.png) [@NadaHappyCamper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NadaHappyCamper)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/55 "2010-08-19T15:13:38Z")
For Spud ; My logic is that were I to see a 2000 lb. Bull running amok on a crowded sidewalk or a Rabid animal loose in a neighborhood, most definately I would call 911. Nott so much a pedestrian walking and talking on a cellular phone, though I have seen pedestrians so engrossed in a phone conversation that they have stepped into traffic without looking. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/56 "2010-08-19T15:24:37Z")
> [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > For Spud ; > My logic is that were I to see a 2000 lb. Bull running amok on a crowded sidewalk or a Rabid animal loose in a neighborhood, most definately I would call 911. Nott so much a pedestrian walking and talking on a cellular phone, though I have seen pedestrians so engrossed in a phone conversation that they have stepped into traffic without looking. OMG! And you didn’t call to report them?! ---
**Author:** ![Trom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/57 "2010-08-19T15:29:02Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > > [@Trom](#): > > > > Based on what I remember from a college psych class - yes. > > Why? What was the explanation given in the class? If I remember correctly, it had something to do with the brain dealing with two separate environments - the phone conversation and the actual driving. Talking on the phone reduces the amount of brain activity dedicated to the driving task significantly. When having a conversation with a passenger, there is less of a division of attention, as both are integrated into one experience. If you’re asking why that is… I have no idea. Gonna have to ask a neuroscientist. ---
**Author:** ![Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swallowed_My_Cellphone)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/58 "2010-08-19T15:29:52Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > Read my other posts; I’m aware of that. Does talking on a hands-free phone distract you more than talking to a blind passenger? Blind people still have quite a bit of situational awareness. Plus, to be considered legally blind you can still have some vision. But any way for the OP: > [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > The 911 system was developed for just the reason that I have put it to use for, citizen input, citizen like you and I helping the police and state troopers to do thei jobs, NO! That is NOT why 911 was developed for emergency response, not for minor infractions or traffic violations. > [@](#): > > Proper Use of 911 > > As a rule of thumb, calls should only be placed to 911 for potentially life-threatening situations for humans. The following list is certainly not all-inclusive but should provide an idea of what constitutes a legitimate reason for dialing 911: > > [ul] > [li]People involved in an automobile accident have been killed or are injured or trapped in a vehicle.[/li][li]Someone has collapsed, is suffering a heart attack, has been seriously burned or is in some other form of physical distress.[/li][li]Someone is being threatened or has been attacked by someone or a group of people.[/li][li]Gunshots have been heard or gunfire has been witnessed in a public place.[/li][li]A house or building is on fire.[/li][li]A boat carrying people has overturned.[/li][/ul] So knock it off! If you feel you must report something that would net someone a $50 traffic ticket, then program the non-emergency police number into your damn phone. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/59 "2010-08-19T15:30:14Z")
> [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > For Spud; My logic is that if I saw a 2000 lb. Bull running down a sidewalk, or a rabid dog running loose through the neighborhood, yes that is deffinately worth a call to 911 not so much a pedestrian walking and using a cellular phone, though that can be unsafe also think about a person so engrossed in their conversation they may walk out in traffic without looking, I’ve seen that happen > What I’ve garnered from the previous posts is that many of you think I abuse the 911 system I say that is exactley what the 911 system is for, prevention of a bad situation from becoming a serious situation, and if 911 operators think I am a crackpot there isn’t too much I can do about that if they don’t pass my call on to the proper authority the outcome of the transgression is out of my hands,I’ve done everything I could do as a good citizen to protect my fellow citizens. Are you serious? You equate a 2000 lb bull and a rabid dog (heck, lets make it a rabid bull and a 2000lb dog) in a neighborhood to someone changing lanes without a signal, driving while talking on a cell phone, or following less than two car lengths at 60mph? Seriously… how often do you see loose bulls and rabid dogs? I see 4-5 drivers changing lanes, talking on cell phones (which isn’t illegal here) and less than 2 car lengths away every single day on my 20 minute or less drive. So, do you call 911 every time you see a “person so engrossed in their conversation that they may walk out in traffic?” You posted this… you solicited input on other poster’s thoughts. Most don’t agree that you are doing the right thing. We can’t do anything about if you continue or not. We just think you are doing more harm than good. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2010, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684/60 "2010-08-19T15:37:38Z")
> [@NadaHappyCamper](#): > > For Spud ; > My logic is that were I to see a 2000 lb. Bull running amok on a crowded sidewalk or a Rabid animal loose in a neighborhood, most definately I would call 911. Nott so much a pedestrian walking and talking on a cellular phone, though I have seen pedestrians so engrossed in a phone conversation that they have stepped into traffic without looking. So, if you posted “I call 911 every time I see a 2000 lb bull running loose or a rabid dog” you would likely have gotten posters to agree that you do the right thing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-a-dime-on-your-neighbor/550684.md?page=4)